Madness

[Trinn]

A thrill of victory rushed over Maude as her feet planted solidly on the black dragon's thick back. Her elation was punched away when she heard the riders fury. Her feet were knocked out from under her when the black dragon surged forward. She rolled backward, catching herself on a scale just in time. Be careful Magda! she shouted, watching with wide eyes as Magda turned and fled away from the black dragon, trying to draw them away from Melian. When the black dragon was flying steadily, if swiftly, after Magda, Maude regained her feet and began trotting up its back, towards the rider. The woman held an intimidating weapon, and for a brief second Maude paused. It turned out to be a good thing. Spotting something off to the side, Maude turned and watched in fascinated dismay a white dragon of even larger proportions charge the black dragon. An ancient... Thinking quickly, Maude tried to wrap her arms around a thick spike. The white dragon was about to charge into the black dragon, and the impact was sure to be enough to send her flying without proper saddle support. Still, she had to try to get to the enemy rider!

Keeping an eye on the white dragon's approach, which went unnoticed by the black dragon so far, Maude inched her way up towards Selene. When she was behind the woman, Maude shouted a war cry and lifted Reona above her head, before bringing it down at the woman's neck.

OOC: I like how Sidhion referred to Maude as the red rider. Just like her mom! lol

[Max452]

OOC: Hehe

Selene was so intent on the chase that it took her a moment to register the other presence on Slade. She hissed and turned quickly to block Reona from her neck; she had to hop out of Slade's saddle to block the attack. She gave Maude a death stare. "You, naive little girl. You think you can challenge a Dragon Slayer so effortlessly?" She snarled out, showing no emotion on her face, but her eyes brimmed with madness and hatred. She was about to attack when Slade was hit by a massive force. Selene cried out and flew off to the side. Grabbing one of Slade's protruding spikes, Selene managed to hang on with one arm as she and Slade were caught in a massive barrell roll fight. Once it was more stable, and Slade managed to kick himself free for a moment, Selene managed to climb up quickly, standing with all fury on Slade's back.

***
Slade continued to charge but was thrown off course by a large impact! The black dragon let out a gurgled, surprised, roar at Locien. Traitor! He hissed out, trying to slash his way out of the Locien's grasp. He kicked and swiped, but the dragon was much larger. They began to roll in the air. Slade, snorted a burst of flames at Locien's face, causing the dragon to let loose his grib on the black dragon. Using that opportunity, Slade kicked himself free. A rippling snarl eruptted from his mouth as he stared down Locien. They had not expected to fight an Ancient, but Slade was more than bloodthirsty for his blood to care.

***
During the tumbling, Sidhion timed it perfectly that he landed with ease on the black dragon after Slade had regained some control over his flight. He manuevered his way to help Maude, noticing the sword she carried as well. Thank you for the distraction, Locien, now be weary, my friend. Sidhion cautioned as he snuck his way further up the dragon's spine.

[Trinn]

True fear came over Maude as the woman, evidently a dragon slayer, turned to face her. She looked truly fearsome, and Maude felt a cold shiver tickle her flesh. It was then the impact came. Maude flew off her feet, her back slamming heavily into a spike, knocking the wind from her but keeping her from sailing clean off the black dragon. Unfortunately, the two dragons were rolling about. Using Reona, Maude slammed the blade down at the dragon's back, embedding the blade in a black scale. She held into the sword desperately, trying to keep from becoming airborn.

The tumbling was vicious though. When at last the dragons parted, Reona was rattled free, and Maude flew backwards again, rolling a bit down Slade's side. She desperately reached out, until her hands closed on the edge of a scale. The sharp edge cut her hand, but Maude held on anyways, until she could pull herself back up onto the dragons back. The first thing she noticed when she was steady again was a white haired man moving stealthily towards her. For a moment, she thought she had gone mad. Was that her father? Elation filled her, before she realized the man was not her father, but someone much worse. And he was helping her. Maude felt dread and joy at the same instant. So this was Sidhion. She clutched Reona, feeling oddly possessive over the blade. It was hers now! Maude, focus! Magda shouted.

Snapping out of her trance, Maude turned towards the enemy rider. She stood with a furious expression, and Maude realized she would be hard pressed to win this fight. Still, it was her duty to fight. Trying her best to ignore Sidhion, Maude rushed up the dragons back, striking out at the enemy.

[Max452]

Sidhion spotted Maude getting back to her feet and noticed the determination in her eyes as she spotted him. He gave her a shake of the head, trying to tell her not to attack Selene; she was too powerful for the young Rider. He wanted to let out a exasperated sigh as the girl seemed to ignore him and charge at Selene instead. Moving quickly, Sidhion hurried to aide the girl, feeling very protective as he realized one thing: this was his grandaughter.

***
Selene's eyes glared down at Maude as she charged at her. "Foolish girl." Selene muttered out as she blocked Maude's attack. She then noticed Sidhion approach with blinding speed and knew which opponent was a great threat. She pushed against her claymore, intending to push Maude back so she could attack Sidhion. "Get out of the way, girl." Selene snarled out.

***
As the Riders battled forth, Slade had to force himself to keep a steady flight as not to jostle his rider off of him. Unfortunately for him, Locien was taking full advantage of the dragon's dilemmna, trusting well in Sidhion to save Maude and to get her and himself off safely. The dragon charged again at Slade, talons extended, jaw opened wide, and a thunderous roar lacing the skies.

***
The ground troops were scurrying about in panic as they tried to reassemble themselves properly in formation as they were now being assaulted on both sides. The two riders, using magic and blade, along with their dragons, pounded into the ground force, hoping to get them to surrender before more blood was shed.

[Trinn]

The giant clay-more crashed down against Reona, and Maude was certain that if the blade had been anything besides a riders sword, it would have shattered. Maude felt her muscles give a bit under the enemy riders strength, and when the woman pushed back, Maude was helpless to resist. Her feet slid backward. To keep from tripping, Maude broke away from Selene and backpedaled. Grimacing wildly at Selene, Maude twirled Reona and made to attack again. She felt a cool wind as Sidhion brushed by, taking her place in the duel. Maude felt a mild anger. She had wanted to prove herself, but it seemed her grandfather would win the glory today.
***

Magda swiveled around the two giant dragons, trying to find a place to either attack or aid. She felt frantic whenever Locien attacked the black dragon. She expected to see Maude's little human body go into a free fall. Roaring anxiously, Magda sidled up beside the black dragon, holding her flight steady with his. She spotted Maude near the neck, and her grandfather as well. Moving into a barrel roll, Magda dove and rolled underneath Slade, coming up on his opposite side, just as Locien appeared on the side she had just vacated. Maude! Jump to me! She tried to call out to her rider, but Maude was too determined to best Selene to listen.

[Max452]

The moment Selene had pushed Maude back, her breath was taken aback as she was tackled by Sidhion. She growled at the white-haired Ancient with menacing eyes. Her sword arm was pinned down by Sidhion's hand; a strength like none other she had ever met, and her other hand was trying to pry off Sidhion's other hand from her neck. "You do well not to attack my grandaughter, Dragon Slayer." Sidhion hissed out as he choked her, desiring her to go unconscious so they could take her as a prisioner.

***
Slade cried out of pain for himself and his Rider as he felt Selene's consciousness dip dangerously toward the darkness. You filthy scum! I'll make your entrails as my trophy! Slade snarled out, bucking and pushing Locien off of him, causing the those upon him to have a turbulent ride. The two dragons once again clashed against one another, ignoring the red dragon that zoomed by them.

***
Just a few more seconds, Sidhion thought as he watched Selene's eyes roll back and then forward as she tried to fight to stay awake. In that moment, Slade bucked, causing Sidhion to loose his grip as he stumbled to gain balance on the black dragon. It was all Selene needed to uttered a quick spell to send Sidhion flying backward, passed Maude. The blonde rider coughed as she forced herself to gain air. What monstrous strength he had! Was this the physical strength an elf possessed? an Ancient elf?

[Trinn]

Maude was ready for her opening. As soon as Sidhion lost his handle on the dragon slayer, Maude rushed forward, not wanting to give the woman a chance to recover. This is madness! Magda roared into Maude's mind. We're outmatched! Leave this fight to your ancestor! But Maude couldn't do that. She was no coward! She would not run away. Screaming a war cry, Maude came at Selene again, unsheathing one of her scimitars. She attacked the enemy with both swords, twirling them at her dangerously.

[Max452]

OOC: Lol! Maude is so much like her mother. lol

Selene was in the mist of heaving for breath when she heard the girl's scream. She grunted. When will this nuisance learn. "Skolir." She whispered and recited a spell that would protect her left hand. As Maude came attacking her with her duel swords now, Selene used her sword hand to block one, and caught the other with her free hand, having used her spell to create an invisible shielded layer on her hand. She glared at the young Rider. "You try my patience. You end now." Selene glared and began to utter a spell that included the death words she had learned from Galbatorix.

Sidhion fanned his arms out and quickly spoke the spell that would slow him down. He got his footing once again and charged over at Selene and Maude, now interlocked. His sensitive ears heard what spell Selene was conjuring and immediately acted. "Malthinae!!!" Sidhion shouted, his gedwey ignasia lighting up as his magical aura of ice blue surrounding him. His eyes were deadly as he stared down the Dragon Rider, who, now seemed to have a surprised look on her face as she tried to continue her spell, but her mouth would not move. Sidhion hand shut her mouth! Selene roared, but it came out as a muffle through her spell-shutted mouth. Selene tried to move to kill Maude with her sword, but, also found that her body could not move; she was like a statue!

"You will not harm her!" Sidhion seethed as he approached them in a blink of an eye. He touched Maude's shoulder gently. "Lower your weapon, young one. She cannot harm you now."

SELENE!!! Slade shouted as he realized his Rider was immobilized.

Concede or we will kill her, hatchling! Locien threatened. Slade thrashed more violently, and Locien thought for a moment, that they would continue their bloody fight, but Slade then stopped.
Very well. His voice was filled with utter malice for his opponent. We concede. Slade hissed out and obediently began to follow Locien back to the earth, just as the battle below them was ending.

***
Ian panted, seemingly breathless as he stared down at the bodies that littered the boundaries of Melian. Some of the men had gone passed him and Castiel, but luckily, the villegers were able to hold them off before Ian managed to get there to stop them from entering the city. The white Rider gazed at the field, now, where Seth and himself had cornered the remainding troops in a barrier spell. It was hard work, but they managed to stop the skirmish against Melian; the other enemies seemingly have fled.

Tired, Ian gazed upward, already on Castiel and flying up to help Maude. He was then surprised to see a really really big dragon leading the black dragon down to earth.
He is huge! Castiel commented with a gruff and tired voice. His snout bloody and his chest revealed gashes formed by spears. Ian was not fairing any better; it was has if he was bathed in blood. His face was splattered with the red substance and his hair was matted down with sweat. His clothes were tattered and he just appeared exhausted, but his eyes, ever his eyes were eager and desperate to find Maude as they hurried upward to aide their beloved companions. "Maude!" Ian yelled out as they met the descending dragons, Castiel swooping around the dragons, looking for Magda as well.

[Trinn]

OOC: Yay! lol

Maude's eyes widened as Selen began to murmur a dangerous spell under her breath. In her mind, Maude began to prepare a counter spell, frantically throwing words together. A great sense of relief came to her when Sidhion intervened. She was even a little astonished at his apparent protectiveness. When he addressed her, it was then that she realized her weapons were still raised, ready to fight. Nodding briskly, Maude lowered Reona and her scimitar, then sheathed them altogether.

Slowly, the realization that an enemy rider was captured dawned upon her. Elation filled her, before quickly departing. It was not because of her that the enemy was under arms. She had done nothing for this fight. Feeling discouraged, Maude crossed her arms and stared at Sidhion carefully. This was her grandfather? He was everything she would have expected, and then everything she never would have expected. Noble, for one. And this was the man that had caused her father so much misery. Unable to help herself, Maude found herself grimacing. Feeling uneasy in his presence, Maude trotted to Slade's side and jumped off. A second later she landed on Magda. The ruby dragon heaved a sigh of relief. Together, they escorted Slade to the ground, along with Locien.

Her dark mood lightened when she heard Ian call out. She spotted him soon after, atop Castiel. Magda sped over to them, circling around them happily. Maude caught Ian's eyes and gave him a small smile. Moments later they alighted just outside of Melian, so that both the black dragon and Locien would have room. Maude quickly dismounted and stood beside Magda, her eyes never leaving Slade. Her grandfather... Her emotions were a mix of hate and joy.

[Max452]

The ground reverberated as Locien, Slade, and the other two dragons landed. Immediately, Sidhion released Selene from her imprisonment, but only to cast her to fall asleep. Flipping the dragon slayer over his shoulder, he jumped off, landing deftly onto the solid ground, while Locien made sure Slade would not try anything. "I do not desire for any more bloodshed, Slade, but if you try to harm anyone of us, I will make you regret it greatly." Sidhion pronounced as he then created a barrier to contain the black dragon.

The moment he was completed with his spell, Seth appeared. He had a wide grin on his face, despite his tired and ragged appearance. "Ian! Maude! I'm glad you two are okay!" He greeted his fellow Riders. And then, Seth realized that his master had not been introduced. "This is my Master, Sidhion. Master Sidhion, these are my friends from Bromsland: Ian, rider of Castiel, and Maude, Rider of Magda." He introduced them to one another.

Sidhion gave a respectful bow to the Riders, though his eyes lingered on Maude. "We must hurry, Argetlams. There is much to be done and much to be discussed; we cannot be idle should the enemy attack once more." He informed them and motioned toward the city. "Seth, make sure our guests are well guarded."
"Yes, Master Sidhion." Seth turned to face the direction of his friends, their scents mixed in with blood and sweat. "Excuse me, Maude and Ian. It was nice to find you two again. Hopefully we can speak later." He told them and ran off to secure the prisoners properly.

Once Seth had left, Sidhion addressed the two Riders. "Is there a place where we can speak to Selene? Preferably somewhere with a large space and out of the reach of the civilians." He asked, but ever his gaze was on Maude, as if trying to read her expressions.

***
Ian did not like the way Sidhion was constantly staring at Maude. Feeling protective, Ian was not inclined to leave Maude's side, despite his own tiredness and wounds he had sustained; both mental and physical. Once they had landed, and Ian felt reassured of Maude's safety, he had quickly healed Castiel's major wounds, but left his own to be dealt with later as Seth had approached and begun the introductions. Needless to say, Ian felt unnerved by Sidhion's presence, but he trusted Seth, despite his curiousness of Seth having a Master. Ian glanced over at Maude, feeling some tension from her, but not knowing the cause. His fingers graced her's unnoticeably, hoping to reassure her some way and ignoring his own doubts that had developed this day.

[Trinn]

Maude was surprised to find Seth, and even more so to learn that Sidhion was his master. She thought of the ancient only as Sidhion. It was still too new and unnerving to think of him as her relative, her grandfather. His gaze made her feel somehow nervous, but also predatory, as if ready for a fight. She was too involved with her emotions at the moment to notice Ian's light touch. Beside her, Magda crouched, as if ready to pounce. Maude's emotions were affecting her bond's temperament too.

"We would have to leave the city and go into the hills. That would be the most private we could get. Melian is fairly small, so it won't be hard to do. We shouldn't have to travel too far, either." Maude was happy that her voice at least sounded even and calm. Deciding no other words were necessary, Maude turned and led the way out of town.
~~~

When they had reached an open, yet private place, Maude stopped and turned to her companions. She was feeling a little calmer now, and began to find herself thinking of other things besides Sidhion. Her gaze turned to Ian, and she tried to give him a small smile. They had won the fight, after all. They should be happy. She looked at Sidhion next, and her smile vanished. "What is it you would like to discuss, ancient?" She asked, using a neutral title for him.

[Max452]

"That solution is sound; let us go." Sidhion hefted Selene over his shoulder and boared Locien while Seth and Hyperion kept guard and helped the villagers with some repairs and anything else they needed while the three Riders went to speak with Selene and one another.

***
Ian followed Maude and Sidhion to the designated place. He hopped off of a tired Castiel, patting his snout affectionately. Thank you, Cas. Ian hugged his dragon before following Maude.
Meh, make sure you take a bath later, Ian...you smell of blood. Castiel replied, licking his minor wounds as Ian had healed the major one on his snout. And, make sure you heal yourself... He added.
Ian shrugged it off the dragon's advice, but really appreciated his concern; he would do it all later, right now, this new Rider kept Ian on his toes, no matter Seth's Master or not. He kept silent as Maude asked her question.

***
Sidhion placed Selene down in the spacial field that Maude had taken them all to. He turned his unreadable gaze to his grandaughter. "I wish to know about Gloriann and Sundavar, as well as this new Shade Rider. Rider Selene is a powerful enemy, one that is not to be taken lightly. So, before I awaken her, is there anything you wish to discuss with myself or Selene?" Sidhion asked, wondering if Maude knew of their relation at all.

[Trinn]

Anything to discuss? There was plenty! Why was Sidhion suddenly a nice guy. And was he going to want his sword back? And did he even realize she had his sword? Did he even realize who she was? Biting the inside of her cheek to keep from screaming these questions, Maude crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head no. She had nothing to discuss. Not yet, anyway. "No. Let's continue with the interrogation."

[Max452]

OOC: Maude is so stubborn! lol I like it! Adds entertainment! lol

Sidhion gave Maude a thoughtful expression. He could have sworn he saw frustration in the girl's eyes. Perhaps...she did know. He will give her time then. If she was not ready to ask her questions, he would not push them. He glanced over to the young man with her, expecting an answer from him as well.

"I agree with Maude. Let us continue, Rider Sidhion; I am eager to know of Gloriann and Sundavar's fate." Ian replied tiredly as he motioned to help Sidhion with Selene.

"Very well, Argetlams." Sidhion nodded his head. "I will create a barrier so she will not escape." Sidhion replied and began to chant a quick spell. Soon, a visible light formed around them. It glowed ice-blue before forming into a dome-like shape and expanding itself until it no longer became visible. "There. That should hold her should she try to escape." Sidhion told the two riders, pleased with his work. "Now, let us wake the Dragon Slayer." He bent himself down into a crouch and woke Selene.

***
Selene was not happy as she stared coldy at the three Riders in front of her. They would not get anything from her. She was no traitor.
"Where is Gloriann and Sundavar." Sidhion went straight to the point, as always. Selene made no expression on her face as she stared at Sidhion, not answering. "I will only ask nicely once."
"You will get nothing from me, Ancient." Selene replied, voice leveled, but filled with anger. "Kill me or imprison me - I will not speak."
"You may appear indifferent and cold, Argetlam Selene, but as someone who has experience with such things, you and I both know that is not true. Tell me what has become of Gloriann and Sundavar, or face the death penalty for your crimes."
"I do not fear death."
"No, but what of your dragon." Sidhoin asked, his facial expression unreadable.
Selene's eyes panicked for one moment before turning into a smoldering one. "Touch him and I will kill you, Ancient!" Her voice ringed with power as she tried to think of a way of escape.
"Ah, there is the fire." Sidhion seemed pleased with something. "I will not harm him unless I must, Selene. You will face judgement. I will lessen the severity if you cooperate."
"Your crazed crusade of purity does not interest me; I will not speak."
Sidhon sighed. "I have abandoned those idiotic notions awhile ago; you will be sent before Queen Nasauda and the Rider Council; they will determine your fate."
"I care not." Selene replied and closed her mouth.
"Think upon it, Black Rider - why do you serve such an abmoniation? The Shade Rider will kill you one day - it is in their nature."
"What would you know of loyality?" Selene spat, finally showing some emotion. "You and your halfbreed son and his accursed sleeper!" A ringing pain was soon felt in Selene's head as a burning sensation tingled on her cheek.
"You will do well not to speak ill of my son and his mate, in front of me or my grand daughter!" Sidhion's voice echoed dangerously as he had just slapped Selene in the face.
Selene chuckled then - a rare occurance. "It appears the Ancient has a soft spot." Her eyes flickered over to Maude. "My Queen will be pleased."
Sidhion let out a growl that mirrored Locien's. "Go near them and I will kill you."
Selene merely chuckled some more. "Do your worse, Ancient; the Shade Rider will come and no one will be safe from her cleansing. A new dawn has risen and the land will be bathed with the blood of the unpure, and at the helm, will be the Shade Rider and dear little Gloriann."

[Trinn]

OOC: Yep! lol

Maude felt her face twist in rage when Selene spoke of ill of her parents. She had moved a step forward, hand on sword, to make the woman pay for it, when Magda placed a leg in the way to stop her. Maude had half a mind to step around it and continue on her path, but the sane part of her brain made her take heed. Taking deep breaths, she let her hand fall away from Reona. She resumed her position next to Ian, and tried to think about what else she had just heard. Namely, that Sidhion did indeed recognize her as his granddaughter. And what was this of Glory? She was with the shade army, then. Not only with them, but part of them. The shade rider's number one henchman, from the sounds of it. Maude cast an uneasy glance at Ian, wondering how he was handling the news. Glory was, after all, his cousin, of a sort.